A homogeneous large area photodiode with high resistance electrodes can be used to trace the position of a localized light signal, thus allowing the easy fabrication of large area light‐ and touch‐point sensors. A readout scheme is presented that allows a direct and simple recalculation of the coordinates from four current signals picked up at the edges of the device.

Position sensitive detection schemes based on the lateral photoeffect rely on inorganic semiconductors. Such position sensitive devices ͑PSDs͒ are reliable and robust, but preparation with large active areas is expensive and use on curved substrates is impossible. Here we present a novel route for the fabrication of conformable PSDs which allows easy preparation on large areas, and use on curved surfaces. Our device is based on stretchable silicone waveguides with embedded fluorescent dyes, used in conjunction with small silicon photodiodes. Impinging laser light ͑e.g., from a laser pointer͒ is absorbed by the dye in the PSD and re-emitted as fluorescence light at a larger wavelength. Due to the isotropic emission from the fluorescent dye molecules, most of the re-emitted light is coupled into the planar silicone waveguide and directed to the edges of the device. Here the light signals are detected via embedded small silicon photodiodes arranged in a regular pattern. Using a mathematical algorithm derived by extensive using of models from global positioning system ͑GPS͒ systems and human activity monitoring, the position of light spots is easily calculated. Additionally, the device shows high durability against mechanical stress, when clamped in an uniaxial stretcher and mechanically loaded up to 15% strain. The ease of fabrication, conformability, and durability of the device suggests its use as interface devices and as sensor skin for future robots.

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Cellular polypropylene ferroelectrets are useful for broadband airborne ultrasound generation and detection up to the fundamental thickness extension resonance. The authors show that the coupling of ferroelectrets to air alters the electromechanical resonance of the foam. In an acoustical cavity, Fabry-Perot resonances are obtained, which is in excellent agreement with the plane wave model calculations. For material assessment in airborne ultrasound applications, a figure of merit is used based on the electromechanical coupling factor and acoustical impedance of the material. The good coupling of ferroelectrets to gases results from the small acoustical impedance of the material.

A large-area photosensor is presented that uses the coupling of light into the planar waveguide mode of a polycarbonate foil by luminescent dyes to extend the active area of silicon photodiodes attached to the surface of the foil in a regular pattern. The photodiode signal is directly related to the distance between the point where light is coupled into the foil and the photodiode, thus enabling a precise recovery of the position of a localized light signal hitting the foil. We present a large-area device that can trace the movement of a light point generated by a laser pointer hitting its surface.